Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The canonical range resolution limit in radar, sonar, and LIDAR systems is found to be a special case of a more general resolution limit. The general limit indicates that it is possible to surpass the canonical limit in moderate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environments by using the signal amplitude and phase information. The canonical limit only considers the bandwidth of the received signal without considering how SNR affects the range resolution. Details present in the signal amplitude, such as attenuation and geometric spreading, can act as additional sources of range information. Previous studies have taken advantage of the relationship between the target distance and the signal amplitude or phase to achieve higher resolution ranging and often employ unusual transmit waveforms for this purpose. These methods each provide distinct bounds on range resolution, rather than a unified bound applicable across different systems and applications. We apply ideas from information theory to determine a general lower bound to the smallest resolvable range bin size and corresponding target strength measurements.
Source: Journal of Applied Physics
DOI: 10.1063/5.0275506
Authors: Nathaniel J. Fuller, Nicholas Palermo
Institution: NSWC Panama City Division
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Award: G8876996369
OpenAlex ID: W4415422679